Battery cell, and battery module, battery pack, and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery cell comprising: an electrode assembly; an electrode lead configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly; a cell case including a receiving part configured to accommodate the electrode assembly and a sealing part formed by sealing an outer periphery of the receiving part and having mesh holes formed therein; and venting suppression members provided on opposite sides of the sealing part.

Description

Battery cells and battery modules, battery packs, and automobiles containing the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell and a battery module, battery pack, and automobile including the same.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0195774 filed on December 24, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density and high applicability across product groups, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for enhancing eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only for the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also because they generate no by-products from energy use.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Additionally, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery module or pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common practice to first construct a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to form a battery pack or battery rack. Alternatively, recently, battery packs in the form of a "Cell-to-Pack," in which multiple battery cells are directly housed in a pack housing without modularization, are also being manufactured.

[0006] A battery cell comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each coated with a positive active material and a negative active material, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer material, namely a cell case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0007] Meanwhile, when venting gases are vented during thermal runaway of a battery cell, the sealing portion of the battery cell, mainly the portion near the heat source, opens, but other sealing portions may also open and be discharged in all directions. In particular, when thermal runaway of a battery cell occurs, the sealing portion on the side equipped with the electrode lead can easily open.

[0008] In this case, it is very dangerous because high-temperature gases or flames emitted from battery cells inside the battery module can transfer to adjacent battery modules, potentially causing a chain reaction of explosions.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure capable of preventing the sealing portion on the side equipped with the electrode lead from opening due to high-temperature gas, etc., generated inside the battery cell when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell.

[0010] In addition, there is a need to develop a structure capable of delaying or suppressing heat propagation to adjacent battery cells when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell.

[0011] Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery cell in which the opening of the sealing portion on the side equipped with the electrode lead can be suppressed by high-temperature gas, etc. generated inside the battery cell when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell, and a battery module, battery pack, and automobile including the same.

[0012] In addition, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery cell in which heat propagation to an adjacent battery cell can be delayed or suppressed when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell, and a battery module, battery pack, and automobile including the same.

[0013] However, the problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0014] To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a battery cell comprising: an electrode assembly; an electrode lead configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly; a cell case having a storage portion configured to accommodate the electrode assembly and a sealing portion having a mesh hole formed therein and a sealing portion formed by sealing the outer periphery of the storage portion; and venting suppression members provided on both sides of the sealing portion.

[0015] The sealing portion may include a first portion, which is a portion where the electrode lead is drawn out, and a second portion, which is defined as the remaining portion excluding the first portion and is a portion where the mesh hole is formed.

[0016] The above-mentioned venting suppression member comprises a first venting suppression member and a second venting suppression member, and the first venting suppression member and the second venting suppression member may be formed integrally.

[0017] The first venting suppression member and the second venting suppression member may be configured to be connected through the mesh hole.

[0018] The above-mentioned venting suppression member can be formed by low-pressure injection through the mesh hole.

[0019] The above-mentioned venting suppression member may be configured to apply pressure to the sealing portion from both sides.

[0020] The sealing portion has a cell terrace with the electrode lead protruding therefrom, and the venting suppression member may be provided on both sides of the cell terrace.

[0021] The height of the above-mentioned venting suppression member can be configured to correspond to the height of the cell case.

[0022] The above-mentioned venting suppression member can be configured in a block shape.

[0023] The above-mentioned venting suppression member can be configured to be in close contact with the above-mentioned storage portion.

[0024] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack characterized by including a battery cell according to the present invention.

[0025] And, the present invention provides an automobile characterized by including a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, the fixing force of the sealing portion can be increased by fixing the sealing portion of the cell case with a venting suppression member. Accordingly, the easy opening of the sealing portion during venting of the battery cell can be suppressed.

[0027] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, a venting suppression member is formed by low-pressure injection through a mesh hole in the cell terrace of a cell case, thereby ensuring fixing and adhesion forces between the cell terrace and the venting suppression member.

[0028] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, the transfer of heat to adjacent battery cells can be delayed or suppressed by the venting suppression member. Thus, according to this aspect, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells can be effectively prevented or delayed, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery cells and / or battery modules.

[0029] In addition, according to the above aspect, in a battery module configured by forming a venting hole in a module case, directional venting can be implemented in the direction in which the venting hole is formed, thereby enhancing the safety of the battery module and the battery pack including it by controlling the venting direction.

[0030] In addition to the above, the present invention may have various other effects, which are described in each embodiment, or effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art, etc., will be omitted.

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cell case included in a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view from above of a battery cell to which a venting suppression member according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view from above of a battery cell to which a venting suppression member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module including a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0042] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0043] In addition, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar configurations are omitted, and the focus is on the differences.

[0044] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in the present invention, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object or the position of the observer, as is obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention.

[0045] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may represent the thickness direction of the battery cell, the Y-axis direction may represent the length direction of the battery cell perpendicular to the X-axis direction on a horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may represent the height direction (vertical direction) of the battery cell perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0046]

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cell case included in a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode assembly (100), an electrode lead (200), a cell case (300), and a venting suppression member (400).

[0049] A battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a lithium-ion secondary battery. For example, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The battery cell (10) may be a roughly rectangular plate-shaped cell by having a long side along the Y-axis, a short side along the Z-axis, and a thickness in the X-axis direction that is smaller than the length of the Y-axis or Z-axis.

[0050] The electrode assembly (100) may be formed in a jelly-roll type (wound type), stack type (laminated type), or composite type (stack / folding type) structure. More specifically, the electrode assembly (100) may be composed of an anode, a cathode, and a separator placed between them. The electrode assembly (100) may include an electrode tab.

[0051] The electrode lead (200) may be configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (100). The electrode lead (200) may be configured to be connected to an electrode tab. The electrode lead (200) may be provided to protrude outward from the cell case (300).

[0052] The electrode leads (200) may be provided as a pair, and the pair of electrode leads (200) may be drawn out at both ends of the battery cell (10), that is, in the longitudinal direction (±Y direction). At this time, the pair of electrode leads (200) may be a positive lead and a negative lead. If necessary, the battery cell (10) may have a form in which the two electrode leads (200) are located only at one end in the Y-axis direction, for example, at the end in the +Y-axis direction.

[0053] The cell case (300) may be configured to accommodate an electrode assembly (100). The cell case (300) may be a laminate sheet comprising a resin layer and a metal layer. More specifically, the cell case (300) may be made of a laminate sheet and may be composed of an outer resin layer forming the outermost layer, a barrier metal layer that prevents the penetration of material, and an inner resin layer for sealing.

[0054] The cell case (300) may include a storage portion (310) and a sealing portion (320).

[0055] The storage portion (310) may be configured to accommodate an electrode assembly (100). For example, the storage portion (310) may be an internal space with a concave shape facing the electrode assembly (100), and the electrode assembly (100) may be mounted in this internal space. Depending on the type of battery cell (10), an electrolyte such as a liquid, solid, or gel may be filled into the storage portion (310).

[0056] The sealing portion (320) can be provided by sealing the outer periphery of the storage portion (310). The sealing portion (320) can be located in three places: on both sides of the short width (X-axis direction) of the cell case (300) where the electrode lead (200) is located, excluding the side where the sheet is folded, and on one side of the long width (+Y-axis direction) between them.

[0057] For example, the cell case (300) is provided as a single sheet, and a storage portion (310) is formed on one side. After mounting the electrode assembly (100) in the storage portion (310), the sheet on the side where the storage portion (310) is not formed can be folded to form a sealing portion (320). Accordingly, the sealing portion (320) can be located in three places: on both sides of the short width (X-axis direction) of the cell case (300) where the electrode lead (200) is located, excluding the side where the sheet is folded, and on one side of the long width (+Y-axis direction) between them.

[0058] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the storage portion (310) may be a double cup shape formed on both sides of the cell case (300). In this case, the sealing portion (320) may be placed on the side of the battery cell (10) at a position midway between the thickness of the electrode assembly (100) between the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cell (10). Unlike the above embodiment, the storage portion (310) may be a single cup shape formed on one side of the cell case (300).

[0059] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of such battery cell (10), and various shapes of cell cases (300) known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed to constitute the battery cell (1) of the present invention. For example, the cell case (300) may be configured in a rectangular shape.

[0060] The above-mentioned venting suppression member (400) may be provided in the cell case (300). The venting suppression member (400) may be provided in the sealing portion (320) of the cell case (300). The venting suppression member (400) may be configured to surround the sealing portion (320). The venting suppression member (400) may be coupled to the sealing portion (320). The venting suppression member (400) may be configured to prevent the sealing portion (320) from opening.

[0061] A plurality of venting suppression members (400) may be provided. The venting suppression members (400) may be provided on at least one of the longitudinal sides of the cell case (300). For example, the venting suppression members (400) may be provided on both longitudinal sides of the cell case (300). Additionally, the venting suppression members (400) may be provided on at least one side of the sealing portion (320). For example, the venting suppression members (400) may be provided on both sides of the thickness direction of the sealing portion (320).

[0062] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the fixing force of the sealing portion (320) can be increased by fixing the sealing portion (320) of the cell case (300) with the venting suppression member (400). When the battery cell (10) vents, pressure is concentrated on the side of the sealed sealing portion (320) due to the pressure of the venting gas, and the sealing portion (320) may open. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the venting suppression member (400) firmly holds the cell case (300) from both directions, thereby preventing the sealing portion (320) from easily opening.

[0063] By doing so, it is possible to prevent so-called early venting, in which venting occurs earlier than the guaranteed venting time requested by the customer due to gas inside the battery cell (10).

[0064] In addition, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the transfer of heat to an adjacent battery cell (10) by the venting suppression member (400) can be delayed or suppressed.

[0065] Meanwhile, mesh holes (M) may be formed in the sealing portion (320). That is, the sealing portion (320) may have a partially porous structure. The mesh holes (M) in the sealing portion (320) may be configured to have holes densely punched like a net. The mesh holes (M) may be configured to serve as a passage for the venting suppression member (400) to flow through.

[0066] The mesh hole (M) may be formed in a circular shape. Additionally, the mesh hole (M) may be formed in a square shape. The shape of the mesh hole (M) is not limited to this, and may be formed in other shapes such as a honeycomb shape having a mesh structure, various polygonal shapes, and elliptical shapes. Furthermore, the size or arrangement of the mesh hole (M) may be designed considering the fluidity of the venting suppression member (400).

[0067] The mesh hole (M) can be configured to combine the venting suppression member (400) and the cell case (300). For example, the venting suppression member (400) can be made of a fluid material such as silicone, and the venting suppression member (400) in a liquid state can be configured to pass through the mesh hole (M). The venting suppression member (400) can form a strong bonding force with the sealing part (320) as it flows through the mesh hole (M).

[0068] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, fixing force and adhesive force between the sealing portion (320) and the venting suppression member (400) can be secured. As a result, the venting suppression member (400) can more effectively reinforce the sealing portion (320) of the cell case (300).

[0069] In addition, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the venting suppression member (400) can be applied uniformly or approximately flatly to the sealing portion (320).

[0070]

[0071] Meanwhile, the venting suppression member (400) may be made of a material having fire resistance. Additionally, the venting suppression member (400) may be made of a material having heat resistance. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the fixing member (400) from melting or being lost due to high heat such as venting gas. However, the material of the fixing member (400) is not limited thereto.

[0072] Additionally, the venting suppression member (400) may be made of a material having elasticity. For example, the venting suppression member (400) may include silicone or polyurethane.

[0073] In particular, the venting suppression member (400) may be provided with a material including a silicone encapsulant. The silicone encapsulant may refer to an encapsulation material made of silicone. The silicone encapsulant can be injected in a liquid state and, after curing, completely seal or protect the sealing portion (320).

[0074] The silicone encapsulant is made of a silicone polymer and has flexibility and durability, making it advantageous for shock absorption and vibration dampening. Additionally, since the silicone encapsulant has high heat resistance, it may not be damaged when high heat is generated in the sealing part (320).

[0075] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the venting suppression member (400) can more effectively reinforce the sealing portion (320) of the cell case (300). In addition, the transfer of heat to an adjacent battery cell (10) can be delayed or suppressed by the venting suppression member (400).

[0076] In addition, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, a fine gap may exist between the venting suppression member (400) and the cell case (300), and this tolerance may be reinforced as the venting suppression member (400) has elasticity.

[0077]

[0078] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 1, the sealing portion (320) may include a first portion (P1) and a second portion (P2). The first portion (P1) may be defined as the portion from which the electrode lead (200) is drawn. The second portion (P2) may be defined as the remaining portion excluding the first portion (P1). Additionally, the second portion (P2) may be the portion where a mesh hole (M) is formed. That is, the mesh hole (M) may be formed in a portion other than the portion from which the electrode lead (200) is drawn.

[0079] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, damage to the electrode lead (200) can be minimized during the process in which the venting suppression member (400) is provided in the sealing portion (320) through the mesh hole (M). As a result, when the electrode lead (200) is connected to other components, such as a busbar, for electrical connection, it may not be obstructed.

[0080] In addition, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, a mesh hole (M) is formed at a location unrelated to the performance of the battery cell (10), thereby maintaining the performance of the battery cell (10).

[0081]

[0082] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] The venting suppression member (400) may comprise a first venting suppression member (400A) and a second venting suppression member (400B). The first venting suppression member (400A) and the second venting suppression member (400B) may be configured to face each other with the sealing portion (320) in between. The first venting suppression member (400A) may be configured to support one side of the sealing portion (320). The second venting suppression member (400B) may be configured to support the other side of the sealing portion (320).

[0084] The first venting suppression member (400A) and the second venting suppression member (400B) may be formed integrally. In particular, the first venting suppression member (400A), the second venting suppression member (400B), and the sealing portion (320) may be formed integrally.

[0085] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, as the first venting suppression member (400A) and the second venting suppression member (400B) are integrated, the bonding force with the sealing part (320) can be further improved. Accordingly, the sealing force or fixing force of the sealing part (320) can be further increased, and the structural stability of the sealing part (320) can be secured. As a result, the easy opening of the sealing part (320) during the venting of the battery cell (10) can be more effectively suppressed.

[0086] Specifically, the first venting suppression member (400A) and the second venting suppression member (400B) may be configured to be connected through a mesh hole (M). The venting suppression member (400) may be configured so that when coupled to the cell case (300), the first venting suppression member (400A) and the second venting suppression member (400B) remain connected to each other.

[0087] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the first venting suppression member (400A) and the second venting suppression member (400B) are connected to each other through the mesh holes (M) of the first venting suppression member (400A) and the second venting suppression member (400B), thereby forming a strong mechanical bond with the sealing portion (320). Accordingly, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the state in which the venting suppression member (400) is coupled to the cell case (300) and pressurizes the sealing portion (320) can be stably maintained.

[0088] For example, the venting suppression member (400) can be formed by low-pressure injection through the mesh hole (M). At this time, the adhesive strength of the venting suppression member (400) can be further strengthened by applying a primer or an adhesive aid to the surface of the sealing portion (320).

[0089] The low-pressure injection molding process is a process that uses a very low injection pressure (0.15-4 MPa) to inject a material, such as a venting suppression member (400), into a mold and cure it rapidly. The low-pressure injection molding process can have excellent sealing performance and excellent insulation performance for high-temperature molten materials.

[0090] As a specific example, the venting suppression member (400) can be filled at low pressure through a mesh hole (M) formed in the sealing portion (320). At this time, the mesh hole (M) can serve as a passage for the venting suppression member (400) to be injected. The venting suppression member (400) injected at low pressure can pass through the mesh hole (M) and be evenly applied to both sides of the sealing portion (320). After a certain period of time, this venting suppression member (400) can be cured and completely attached to the sealing portion (320). Thus, the first venting suppression member (400A) and the second venting suppression member (400B) can be connected through the mesh hole (M) to form an integrated structure.

[0091] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when the venting suppression member (400) is injected at low pressure, the venting suppression member (400) can be injected uniformly and evenly into the sealing portion (320). In addition, since the venting suppression member (400) is injected under low pressure conditions, deformation or damage to the sealing portion (320) can be minimized.

[0092] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the first venting suppression member (400A) and the second venting suppression member (400B) are connected to each other through the mesh hole (M), thereby forming a strong mechanical bond with the sealing portion (320). Accordingly, the sealing force or fixing force of the sealing portion (320) can be further increased, and the structural stability of the sealing portion (320) can be secured.

[0093] In addition, since the venting suppression member (400) can completely seal the sealing portion (320), the electrolyte inside the battery cell (10) can be prevented from leaking out.

[0094] Furthermore, the venting suppression member (400) formed by the low-pressure injection process can have airtightness and water resistance. In addition, the venting suppression member (400) can absorb shock from the sealing part (320) side and more stably suppress the transfer of heat to other battery cells (10).

[0095]

[0096] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view from above of a battery cell to which a venting suppression member according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 5, the venting suppression member (400) may be configured to apply pressure to at least partially the sealing portion (320). For example, the venting suppression member (400) may be configured to apply pressure on both sides in the thickness direction of the sealing portion (320).

[0098] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the venting suppression member (400) can suppress the sealing portion (320) from opening outward in the thickness direction.

[0099] More specifically, the sealing portion (320) may include a cell terrace (321) and a side sealing portion. The cell terrace (321) may be a portion from which the electrode lead (200) is drawn out. The side sealing portion may be a portion from which the electrode lead (200) is not drawn out.

[0100] The electrode leads (200) may be provided on both sides of the cell case (300) along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the cell case (300). Accordingly, the cell terraces (321) may be provided on both edges of the cell case (300) in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction). The cell terraces (321) may be configured to be stepped in the thickness direction from the storage portion (310) on the outside of the storage portion (310).

[0101] The side sealing portion may be provided on at least one side of the rim provided in the vertical direction of the cell case (300). For example, the side sealing portion may be provided on the upper rim of the cell case (300).

[0102] At this time, the venting suppression member (400) may be configured to surround the cell terrace (321). The venting suppression member (400) may be provided on both sides of the cell terrace (321). The venting suppression member (400) may be configured to press the cell terrace (321) inward in the thickness direction.

[0103] As the electrode lead (200) is drawn out to the outside, the cell terrace (321) may have a greater variation in rigidity than the side sealing portion. That is, the surrounding area of ​​the cell terrace (321) can be easily opened by internal pressure. However, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the rigidity of the cell terrace (321) can be reinforced as the venting suppression member (400) is configured to press the cell terrace (321). Accordingly, even if a shear force is applied to the cell terrace (321), the venting suppression member (400) firmly fixes the cell terrace (321), thereby preventing the sealing portion (320) from easily opening.

[0104]

[0105] Additionally, the venting suppression member (400) may be configured to extend long along the height direction of the cell case (300). Additionally, the venting suppression member (400) may be configured to have a constant width and thickness. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the venting suppression member (400) may be configured in a block shape.

[0106] In particular, the height of the venting suppression member (400) can be configured to correspond to the height of the cell case (300). For example, the height of the venting suppression member (400) can be configured to correspond to the height of the cell terrace (321).

[0107] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the venting suppression member (400) completely surrounds the cell case (300) along the height direction, thereby allowing it to be more stably coupled to the cell case (300). As a result, the state of pressurizing the sealing portion (320) can be stably maintained.

[0108]

[0109] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view from above of a battery cell to which a venting suppression member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0110] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 6, the venting suppression member (400) may be configured to be in close contact with the storage portion (310). The venting suppression member (400) may be configured to be in contact with the front-rear outer surface of the storage portion (310). The inner surface of the venting suppression member (400) may be configured in a shape corresponding to the front-rear outer surface of the storage portion (310). The venting suppression member (400) may be configured to press the storage portion (310) inward.

[0111] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, one side in the longitudinal direction of the venting suppression member (400) is supported by the storage portion (310), and one side in the thickness direction of the venting suppression member (400) is supported by the cell terrace (321), so that the cell terrace (321) can be fixed from all sides. Accordingly, the venting suppression member (400) more firmly fixes the cell terrace (321), thereby preventing the sealing portion (320) from easily opening.

[0112]

[0113] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module including a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 7, at least one battery cell (10) according to the present invention may be included in the battery module (1).

[0115] Meanwhile, multiple battery cells (10) may be included. Multiple battery cells (10) may be electrically connected to each other. For example, multiple battery cells (10) may be electrically connected to each other in series and / or parallel through a busbar, etc.

[0116] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, the battery module (1) may include a busbar frame assembly for electrically connecting the battery cells (10).

[0117] Multiple battery cells (10) may be included in a battery module (1) in a stacked form. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, multiple battery cells (10) may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) while standing upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). At this time, each battery cell (10) may be interposed such that the sealing portion (320) faces the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) and the upward direction (+Z-axis direction), and the storage portion (310) faces the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0118] Meanwhile, a battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a module case (11). The module case (11) may be configured to have an internal space formed therein and to accommodate battery cells (10) in the internal space. In particular, a plurality of battery cells (10) may be housed in the module case (11) such that the folding portion of the battery cells (10) faces upward.

[0119] The module case (11) may be made of a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance to physically or chemically protect the housed battery cell (10).

[0120] The module case (11) may be provided with a plurality of frames. The plurality of frames may be configured such that at least a portion thereof is integrated with one another. The module case (11) may be provided as a monoframe or a U-frame. In addition, the module case (11) may be formed in various other shapes.

[0121] Additionally, the battery module (1) may be provided with venting holes (H) on at least one side of the module case (11) to discharge gas ejected from the battery cells (10) to the outside of the module case (11).

[0122] For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the venting hole (H) is formed on the upper surface of the module case (11) and can be configured to allow directional venting upward of the battery module (1) through the venting hole (H).

[0123] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, gases generated in the battery cell (10) are induced to vent upward where the venting hole (H) is located, thereby preventing venting in all directions, including the front and rear directions of the battery cell (10). As a result, directional venting can be implemented upward to the battery module (1), and the safety of the battery module (1) and the battery pack including it can be enhanced by controlling the venting direction.

[0124] Since the battery module (1) is composed of densely packed battery cells (10), if venting gas is discharged in all directions from any one battery cell (10), there is a risk that it may lead to a chain reaction of ignition in neighboring battery cells (10). However, in the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the venting suppression member (400) may be configured to induce the venting gas to be discharged toward the venting hole (H).

[0125] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, directional venting can be implemented in the direction in which the venting hole (H) is formed, thereby allowing the venting direction to be controlled. As a result, the venting gas can be discharged more quickly to the outside of the module case (11), thus reducing the internal pressure of the battery module (1). Therefore, since the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells (10) can be effectively prevented or delayed, the safety and reliability of the battery module (1) can be guaranteed.

[0126]

[0127] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] A battery pack (2) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery cells (10) or battery modules (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above. A battery pack (2) according to the present invention may further include components of a battery pack known at the time of filing the present invention, such as a Battery Management System (BMS) for integrated control of charging and discharging of one or more battery cells (10) or battery modules (1), a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 8, when battery cells (10) are stacked to form a battery pack (2), it is also called a cell-to-pack in that the battery cells (10) are directly housed in a pack case.

[0130]

[0131] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] A vehicle (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (2) or battery modules (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (3) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (3) may include four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The vehicle (3) may operate by receiving power from the battery pack (2) to the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0133]

[0134] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. Electrode assembly; An electrode lead configured to be electrically connected to the above electrode assembly; A cell case having a storage portion configured to accommodate the electrode assembly and a sealing portion having a mesh hole formed on the outer periphery of the storage portion and sealed thereon; and A battery cell characterized by including venting suppression members provided on both sides of the sealing portion.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above sealing part A first part, which is the part where the electrode lead is drawn out, and A battery cell characterized by including a second part, which is defined as the remaining part excluding the first part above and is the part where the mesh hole is formed.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned venting suppression member comprises a first venting suppression member and a second venting suppression member, and A battery cell characterized in that the first venting suppression member and the second venting suppression member are integrally formed.

4. In Paragraph 3, A battery cell characterized in that the first venting suppression member and the second venting suppression member are configured to be connected through the mesh hole.

5. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell characterized in that the above-mentioned venting suppression member is formed by low-pressure injection through the above-mentioned mesh hole.

6. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell characterized in that the above-mentioned venting suppression member is configured to apply pressure to the sealing portion from both sides.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above sealing portion has a cell terrace on which the electrode lead protrudes, and A battery cell characterized in that the above-mentioned venting suppression members are provided on both sides of the cell terrace.

8. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell characterized in that the height of the above-mentioned venting suppression member is configured to correspond to the height of the above-mentioned cell case.

9. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell characterized in that the above-mentioned venting suppression member is configured in a block shape.

10. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell characterized in that the above-mentioned venting suppression member is configured to be in close contact with the above-mentioned storage portion.

11. A battery module comprising a battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A battery pack comprising a battery cell according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 10.

13. An automobile including a battery pack pursuant to Paragraph 12.

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